Yogyakarta, November 13, 2024 – Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) happily welcomed the visit of students from Albayan Anyer Superior Islamic Boarding School. The activity that took place in room F305 of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM Building was attended by 50 students and accompanying teachers and was received directly by the Faculty’s Public Relations & Cooperation team and student representatives.

During this visit, the students were presented with interactive quiz sessions and exciting discussions that competed for merchandise in the form of notebooks and exclusive stickers. The participants were enthusiastic in answering questions and exchanging ideas in discussions related to various topics about academic life at UGM.

Some interesting questions from the students included the duration of the INCULS program, the preparation needed since grade 10, the provisions of the SNBP pathway and whether the winning certificate can be used in addition to the report card, majors that are considered easy or challenging, the possibility of science majors applying to the soshum majors, and the existence of a tahfidz pathway and the minimum number of juz that must be memorized.

This activity ended with a group photo session and a lively yell that added to the joy of the atmosphere. This visit is expected to provide inspiration and useful information for students in planning their higher education in the future.

The cooperation between the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Arts, UGM and the Department of Anthropology, FISIP, Universitas Padjadjaran resulted in several collaborative works, one of which is a visiting lecture at the campus. On May 14, 2024, Prof. Dr. Bambang Hudayana, M.A. was asked to teach at Padjadjaran University in the S1 Community Development and S2 Applied Anthropology classes. The lecture was held openly with the theme of the event “Rural and Agrarian Issues and Problems” moderated by Prof. Dr. H. Opan Suhendi Suwartaoradja, M.Si.

On that occasion, Prof. Dr. Bambang Hudayana, M.A. gave a lecture with the material “Participatory Action Research as the Power of Empowerment Anthropology”. He began with the history of the development of anthropology in Indonesia which was present starting as the leading anthropology of development (modernization agenda) where anthropologists were asked to succeed various programs with the role of mapping the potential and socio-cultural barriers to find solutions to these various problems. The development programs that involve the role of anthropologists include transmigration, green revolution, family planning, resettlement of alienated tribes, rural community development and so on. However, development anthropology has been criticized, giving rise to empowerment anthropology where participatory action research is used as a method of community empowerment or often called participatory action research (PAR). The advantages of using PAR are seeing problems that are more micro, detailed, emic descriptive, reflective, critical and more impartial. In addition, it can be used as material for the preparation of local scale development programs, advocacy, and education for the community.

Related to this, Prof. Bambang Hudayana shared the experience of research and community service in BUMDES Karangrejek, Gunung Kidul, which previously always experienced drought during the dry season. Then in 1998 the youth of the region initiated the construction of underground river water wells with the collaboration of UGM KKN students. The construction of the well was successful, even surplus water and sold outside the village to build several business units (village mart) and savings and loans from the profits managed by BUMDES.

In addition to this story, best practice was also shared on the Empowerment of Giriloyo batik artisans in Imogiri who were victims of the 2006 tectonic disaster. The PAR identified victim profiles, needs, funding schemes and forms of participation of affected communities. Prof. Dr. Bambang Hudayana, M.A. also shared PAR promoting cassava for food sovereignty in Indonesia which uses a local asset based approach; access based approach; people centered development. Not only that, Prof. Dr. Bambang Hudayana, M.A. also shared the tradition of PRA in other countries. In the lecture, students seemed enthusiastic by asking various questions.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science, Author: Dewi W, Editor: Sandya Kirani]

Universitas Gadjah Mada Sports and Arts Week or Porsenigama is a forum for students to perform in non-academic fields. The inter-faculty competition is divided into two stems, namely sports and arts stems. The purpose of organizing this competition is to foster sportsmanship, creativity, and solidarity among students of Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This moment is considered appropriate to see the seeds of achievement and development of student talent interests. In 2024, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences has won a gold medal in the art photography category. The first winner was Puspita Nindya Sari, a 2023 outstanding student who is currently studying in the Cultural Anthropology Undergraduate Study Program.

Aya’s work in the Porsenigama 2024 Photography Competition

A woman who is familiarly called Aya presents a portrait of a Balinese dancer as a response to this year’s theme of desire. Beautifully presented by emphasizing the side of facial expressions that are typical of Balinese dance, Aya wants to show the strength of the eyes or seledet. In addition, Aya also showcases the fast-paced nature of Balinese music with visuals of body expressions worked on with a photography technique called motion blur.

Aya’s ability to photograph did not come suddenly. Aya shared that her interest in photography started in 2011 and she began to pursue it when she was in high school. Upon entering college, she started her career as a professional photographer by providing graduation, stage, and event documentation services, until she was recruited as a staff photographer at the 2024 Documentary Film Festival.

Aya’s achievement in winning the gold medal at Porsenigama 2024 shows how quality education can open up opportunities for students to develop their potential and achieve. Participation in competitions like this also reflects the importance of responsible consumption and production in the creation of meaningful and impactful works of art. By continuing to hone their skills and collaborate in various fields, students not only contribute to their own development, but also to the advancement of a more inclusive and sustainable society, in line with the goals of the SDGs.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science, Sandya Kirani]

On October 19, 2024, the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program held the opening ceremony of Abhiseka Kramasisya and a talk show with lecturers and alumni who became speakers for new students. Abhiseka Kramasisya is a routine event organized by the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. In 2024, Abhiseka Kramasisya invited speakers who have a lot of experience that can be shared with new students. All invited speakers have extraordinary careers in their respective fields. New students get motivation and an overview of the various professions undertaken by alumni. Starting from being a courtier to entering the entertainment world, the diversity of professions of alumni of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program shows that Javanese Literature and Culture can develop in any field.

Picture 1 Lecturers on study program workshop

Before entering the talk show with alumni, new students were first introduced to departmental materials delivered by lecturers who were present, both offline and online. The lecturers who attended offline included Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., Imam Prakoso, S.S., M.A. delivered departmental material in accordance with their respective majors. Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., accompanied by Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., explained the philology section. Starting from the definition of philology to the process of learning philology. Followed by a presentation by Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., explaining the specialization of linguistics, and the last one was delivered by R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., who explained the literature section. Then there were several lecturers who joined online because they were continuing their studies abroad, including Yosephin Priastuti Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum., who was continuing her studies at Leiden University. Nurmalia Habibah, S.S., M.A., who is in France to continue her studies at PSL University, and finally there is Zakariya Pamuji Aminullah, S.S., M.A., who is in Germany and studying at Universitat Hamburg.

Picture 2 Lecturers who attended online

This departmental session was well received by all Abhiseka Kramasisya participants. “The material makes me more familiar with the study program, so I understand more about the majors tomorrow, it’s also fun to get to know all the lecturers,” said Andini Nuraini, one of the new students participating in Abhiseka Kramasisya. With this session, it is hoped that new students can find out information about the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, be able to guide their knowledge to achieve noble goals, and always preserve Javanese culture.

The event continued with an alumni talk show delivered by 3 speakers namely Sukma Putri, Razan Bahri, and Rizky Inggar. The first speaker, Sukma Putri, conveyed information related to her current profession as a servant of the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace. Sukma also conveyed the message and impression of being a student of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. The motivation given by Sukma to new students is very interesting, “Thank you for choosing Javanese Literature, because your first step in choosing here can already create a big step in the future. Cheer up to all of you, be healthy and sane always because you deserve a beautiful miracle from what you have chosen,” she wrote in one of the powerpoint slides shown.

Picture 3 Sukma Putri delivered her material

Razan Bahri as the second speaker, he attended this event online because he was abroad, to be precise he worked as a staff of the Indonesian Consulate General in Melbourne. Some new students get the view that being a student of Javanese Language, Literature and Culture does not limit them from having a job outside their major. Razan Bahri said that mastering English at this time is an important thing that must be done, without excluding the use of mother tongue and Indonesian. Using English to introduce Javanese culture in the international arena can initiate steps to preserve Javanese culture and promote it further.

Picture 4 Razan Bahri delivered his material

The third speaker was an alumni student of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, which was then still called Sastra Nusantara class of 2003, she plunged into the world of Indonesian entertainment. She has participated in many television programs, she is famous as a female comedian who is very multitalented, in addition to her jokes that always succeed in making people laugh, she is a singer who can also play roles. Rizky Inggar Lukitovati, who is often called Mbak Kiky, was the speaker at the Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024 alumni talk show. Entered in several award nominations and won one of them, Rizky Inggar told the beginning of her career until she could reach her current life. Rizky Inggar gave many views that the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program will one day create many great people who can be influential for the future. In fact, the image as a Javanese with his medhok dialect was able to bring Rizky Inggar to become a famous artist who has a strong identity and characteristics today. This shows that the existence of Javanese culture is valued and should be empowered, so that it does not become extinct. Rizky Inggar also emphasized to continue to be enthusiastic about achieving dreams even though there are many obstacles in the way, with confidence and determination, everything can be achieved.

Picture 4 Rafael Raga’s conversation as moderator with Rizky Inggar

In the talk show with alumni, students get provisions to undergo the world of lectures. The three speakers also provided some motivation to students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program who might feel pessimistic about their job prospects after graduation. Emphasizing that Javanese Satra students must believe that their expertise is needed in various sectors, especially in the creative industry, media, and education. The warm and insightful discussion provided many valuable lessons for all participants, especially in facing an increasingly competitive professional world. The speakers who shared their experiences, challenges, and successes provided a broad perspective on the various opportunities that students can take advantage of after graduation. Through this talk show, it is hoped that students can be motivated to continue working and prepare themselves to face future challenges that are full of opportunities.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science UGM, Sandya Kirani]

On September 7 and 8, 2024, the Department of Anthropology UGM celebrated its 60th Anniversary. In its implementation, the Department of Anthropology collaborated with the Indonesian Anthropology Association (AAI) Yogyakarta region. Various activities ranging from ancestral pilgrimage, napak tilas to cooking parties are a series of the anniversary event.

To conclude the event, a wayang orang performance will be held in the hallway of the Margono building. This performance is named Wayang Orang Gagrag Anthropology with the title “Gatotkaca Wedding”. The script of this wayang performance was written by Agung Maulana Ibrahim and directed by Tunggal Wibowo who is an anthropology student class of 2022. This wayang orang performance is an attempt to revive a tradition that has been dead since 2016. In the past, the Anthropology Wayang performance was generally routinely carried out every two years and was last staged in 2016.

The puppet cast this year not only involves students but also involves several alumni, active lecturers and lecturers who have retired. The selection of players aims to show that the relationship between students and lecturers of the Department of Anthropology is not rigid. The rehearsal and preparation of the cast began on September 15, guided by the director and scriptwriter. The rehearsal starts from reading the script, deepening the character to blocking exercises so that the cast can explore the character being played.

On September 7, the cast held a dress rehearsal to finalize their roles. Unlike usual rehearsals, now the players must really memorize the script and explore the characters they play. The director and scriptwriter emphasized not to make mistakes and just follow the flow of the dialog when they enter the stage.

A few hours before the performance, the cast began to be dressed up by makeup artists who were also anthropology students. Starting from the makeup to the costumes, they worked deftly and in accordance with the puppetry rules. Once ready, the cast began to gather behind the stage to prepare supporting equipment such as mics and props. Although it was raining heavily and the performance was postponed for some time, the enthusiasm of the audience remained high.
In the story, Lesmana tries to get the heart of his idol Pregiwa who has been matched with Gatotkaca. With the help of his uncle Sengkuni’s incitement, Lesmana managed to persuade his father (Duryudana) to marry him to Pregiwa. Gatotkaca who did not agree with this finally chose to leave his house and wandered in a sad state and did not agree with his father’s decision. Lesmana’s wish caused a dispute between the Kurawa family and the Pandawa family. Fights between families were inevitable. In the end, Pregiwa still chose to marry Gatotkaca, the love of her life.

The performance, which does not carry the classical style of Yogyakarta or Surakarta, is packaged in a unique way that emphasizes comedy with a little sarcasm satirizing some of the hot topics at that time. The performers are required to improvise to create funny dialogue but still understandable to the audience. Laughter was inevitable when the cast made funny movements or when one of the actors told a joke.

The performance ended with the introduction of the cast. The parties involved hope that the Anthropology Puppet show can provide entertainment for the audience and hope that it will be continued in the following years. Thus ended the series of the 60th Anniversary of the Department of Anthropology.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science, Author: Nandito Jodi Syaifulloh, Translator: Sandya Kirani, Editor: Sandya Kirani]